Youth Awards Program for Energy Achievement
NEED encourages student leadership in energy outreach.
NEED’s Annual Youth Awards Program for Energy Achievement is a nationwide initiative that encourages student-led energy education and outreach. Designed for groups of at least three students, the program supports classrooms, clubs, and youth organizations (including scouting groups) in documenting and sharing meaningful energy-related projects that extend learning beyond the classroom and into the community.
Students work together to set goals, plan activities, track progress, and document their efforts with photos, videos, and other evidence of their outreach. These materials are then compiled into a digital project submission that highlights their goals, actions, and impact.
Free to participate, there are two levels of entry:
1. Foundations Projects — shorter, focused efforts that showcase a single outreach activity and are recognized locally.
2. Signature Projects — more comprehensive, multi-activity submissions that are judged at state and national levels and eligible for national recognition. With recent extension to include international schools who submit a project.
Projects are due by April 15th each year and reviewed by a panel of industry and education experts. Signature Projects provide opportunities for students to be recognized through awards such as School of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and special categories highlighting community education and design achievements. Those who submit a Signature Project are invited to attend our annual Youth Energy Conference & Awards in Washington, D.C. each June.
Celebrating 45 Years!
In June, we welcomed more than 300 students and teachers from across the nation, as well as internationally, including school groups from Colombia, to Washington, D.C. for our 45th Annual Youth Energy Conference & Awards.
This event is a powerful example of student leadership in action. In the weeks leading up to the conference, two selected college-aged students are selected as interns to work closely with NEED staff to plan and prepare every detail of this big event!
Students selected to serve on Youth Staff arrive a day early to review conference logistics and prepare for their roles. Youth Staff members, ranging in age from 13 and up, travel in from all across the country to support the event. Their responsibilities include greeting attendees at the airport, assisting NEED and Adult Staff with energy challenges, setting up and breaking down daily activities, leading games, and creating an atmosphere that is welcoming, fun, and energizing. Through this experience, Youth Staff members step into meaningful leadership roles, build lasting friendships, and bring NEED’s “Kids Teaching Kids” motto to life.
We kicked off the 45th conference by giving attendees the opportunity to hear from a dynamic panel of college students pursuing energy-related degrees, as well as from professionals currently working in the energy industry. Through an interactive Q&A, students gained valuable insight into a wide range of careers within the energy sector and the variety of academic pathways one can take to get there.
The Welcome Banquet is a sight to see. Filling a hotel ballroom with more than 300 passionate students and educators is nothing short of magical. From a state roll call and icebreaker activities to songs, the exchange of state trinkets, and an ice cream social, the energy was contagious. And no 45th milestone celebration would be complete without lots of cake!
Each year the conference provides the unique opportunity for students to work with grade-level peers from across the country on a STEM Challenge. This year, elementary students designed and engineered a "Puff Mobile" to see who could get their vehicle the farthest on a single breath of air. Middle school students participated in a variety of hands-on activities that demonstrated offshore energy challenges faced. Secondary students competed in an "Energy Olympics", split into teams to try and pass through six energy challenges.
Hosting in our nation's capital, schools groups were able to tour Washington, D.C. and enjoy a dinner cruise with dancing and games while cruising along the Potomac River. The event concludes with a special Awards Ceremony to recognize their outstanding winning project and receive their award. Our special guest speaker this year was longtime NEED friend, Dr. Frederic Bertley whose passion for science and energy education is both inspiring and contagious.
Be sure to take a look at snapshots of all the fun captured here and view highlights of the event put together by the Youth Staff in this slideshow. NEED would like to acknowledge and give a very special thank you to Cape Light Compact, CITGO, and Phillips 66 for helping sponsor our 45th Youth Energy Conference & Awards.
Submit a Project!
Projects are due by April 15th each year.